shot-button
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai News > Articles

Read Mumbai News

Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS and NCP (SP) release joint manifesto for BMC elections 2026

The Shiv Sena (UBT), the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) on Sunday released their joint manifesto for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections at Shiv Sena Bhavan on Sunday afternoon.  Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray share stage at Shiv Sena Bhavan MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray were present on the podium for the occasion. Notably, the NCP (SP) did not have any leader on the dais. However, Vidya Chavan, chief spokesperson of the NCP, was present at the event. Addressing the gathering, Raj Thackeray said that he had entered Shiv Sena Bhavan after 20 years.  Raj Thackeray recalls return to Shiv Sena Bhavan after two decades “There is constant reference to me coming here after two decades, as if I have been released from jail after 20 years and returned home. Today, I am seeing the new Shiv Sena Bhavan for the first time. All my memories are associated with the old Shiv Sena Bhavan, which I recall with fondness. Today, we are releasing a joint manifesto of the Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, and NCP (SP),” he said.  ‘Beginning of a new wave in Maharashtra,’ says Uddhav Thackeray Uddhav Thackeray, in his address, said he was repeatedly asked how he felt about Raj Thackeray entering Shiv Sena Bhavan after 20 years. “I feel very happy. Today marks the beginning of a new wave of inspiration in Maharashtra, and on this occasion, we are presenting a joint manifesto,” he said. Sanjay Raut calls Thackeray reunion a symbol of unity Speaking at the event, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut said, “Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray coming together is a symbol of an undivided Hindu family. The Thackeray family now has a joint manifesto, joint rallies, joint press conferences, and joint statements.” Speaking at the joint manifesto release of the Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS and NCP (SP) for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday demanded that a criminal case be filed against Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar for allegedly misusing his position to benefit the BJP. Thackeray also called for Narwekar’s immediate removal as Speaker and demanded re-elections in all areas where candidates were elected unopposed. ‘This is jhundshahi, not lokshahi,’ says Thackeray Addressing the media, Thackeray said, “This is jhundshahi. What is happening today cannot be called lokshahi. Earlier, we spoke about attempts to steal votes. Now, they have started stealing candidates as well. Maharashtra has never seen such politicians before.” “Whether it is Kalyan-Dombivli or Thane, capturing elections without any opposition is an insult to the people and to democracy,” he added. Speaker accused of misusing constitutional authority Referring to Narwekar, Thackeray said, “The Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha has authority only within the House. As an elected representative, he has repeatedly misused his authority. The Election Commission must take note of his actions and remove him from the post.” “He cannot campaign for any political party—this is an unwritten but well-understood rule. Criminal action must be taken against him,” Thackeray said. ‘Speaker cannot exercise powers outside Vidhan Sabha’ “Even ministers cannot campaign in the capacity of their office. The Speaker has the authority to withdraw someone’s security only within the Vidhan Sabha. He cannot exercise that authority outside,” Thackeray added. Viral video sparks controversy Last week, a video that went viral on social media allegedly showed Narwekar threatening election candidates while they were filing nomination papers. In the video, he is purportedly heard saying, “I will have to remove your police protection tomorrow.” Demand for probe into missing CCTV footage Thackeray also demanded that the Election Commission investigate the call recordings of returning officers. Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut had earlier alleged that CCTV footage related to the filing of nominations on December 30 at a returning officer’s office had gone missing. Call for re-elections in unopposed wards Speaking about re-elections in constituencies where candidates were elected unopposed, Thackeray said, “Wherever unopposed elections have taken place, re-elections must be conducted, just as they were during the Nagar Parishad elections.” “Otherwise, the State Election Commission will appear to be a servant of the ruling party and cannot claim to be a protector of democracy,” he said. BJP highlights record number of unopposed wins On Friday, BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said in a post on X, “BJP’s winning streak continues, with 68 corporators from the BJP and the grand alliance elected unopposed.” Upadhye said 44 BJP corporators were elected unopposed across eight municipal corporations, with the highest number from the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation. Unopposed wins reported across multiple cities Unopposed corporators were also elected in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Panvel, Bhiwandi, Dhule, Jalgaon and Ahilyanagar, Upadhye said. Following the BJP, 22 Shiv Sena corporators and two Nationalist Congress Party corporators were also elected unopposed, he added.

04 January,2026 02:42 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MS
Pic/Atul Kamble

Thackeray cousins revise BMC elections 2026 strategy, opt for single joint rally

The Thackeray cousins have revised their campaign strategy for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, opting to hold a single joint rally instead of the three large rallies that were initially planned. Shakha outreach to replace mass rallies in Sena (UBT)–MNS campaign plan Under the new approach, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray will focus on visiting local shakhas and strengthening grassroots-level outreach rather than addressing mass public gatherings. Sena (UBT)–MNS alliance recalibrates civic poll strategy with ground-level push The shift in strategy reflects the alliance’s emphasis on direct engagement with party workers and local cadres as Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena prepare for a closely fought Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) on Sunday released their joint manifesto for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections at Shiv Sena Bhavan on Sunday afternoon.

04 January,2026 02:04 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
File Photo

Mumbai weather update: City to see partly cloudy skies, says IMD

Mumbai is expected to witness partly cloudy conditions across the city and its suburbs on Sunday, the India Meteorological Department said. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 31 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to be around 19 degrees Celsius. Air quality in the city remained in the ‘moderate’ category on Sunday. According to data from the SAMEER app, Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 134. Such air quality levels may cause breathing discomfort for people suffering from lung disorders, asthma and heart-related ailments. Among various locations in the city, the AQI was recorded at 153 at Bandra Kurla Complex, 130 at Borivali, 169 at Byculla, 147 at Andheri East, 125 at Chembur, 148 at Deonar and 126 at Ghatkopar. Air quality in Delhi remains poor Meanwhile, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 7.4 degrees Celsius on Sunday, while the air quality settled in the 'poor' category. A cold wave is expected to affect isolated places in the city between Saturday and January 6, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A cold wave is declared when the minimum temperature drops by 4.5 degrees Celsius to 6.5 degrees Celsius below the average temperature. Safdarjung recorded a minimum temperature of 7.4 degrees Celsius; Palam 6.8 degrees Celsius, Lodhi Road 7.6 degrees Celsius, Ridge 8.9 degrees Celsius; and Ayanagar 6.6 degrees Celsius, the IMD data showed. The relative humidity was recorded at 92 per cent at 8.30 am. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 299 at 9 am, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'.The weather office has predicted that the maximum temperature will settle at 17 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas revoked Stage-III restrictions on Friday evening, citing a significant improvement in air quality due to favourable meteorological conditions. However, authorities have urged citizens to strictly follow the guidelines under Stages I and II of the existing GRAP schedule to prevent further deterioration in air quality. The government also clarified that construction and demolition sites issued specific closure orders for violations or non-compliance with statutory norms will not be allowed to resume operations without explicit approval from the Commission.

04 January,2026 11:24 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The liaison officer will help students with all kinds of application issues. PIC/ISTOCK

MH-CET Cell appoints 40 district liaison officers to help exam applicants

The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test or CET Cell has called for applicants for 40 district liaison officers to help out exam applicants and registered students resolve their queries and difficulties at a local level. Officials from the CET Cell noted that while the student helplines are active, pupils often have to make the long haul journey from districts and villages in Maharasthra to the CET Cell office that is located in New Excelsior Theatre at Fort. Officials noted that the presence of these district liaison officers will help resolve manageable student concerns locally and swiftly. The officers will be tasked with providing information about syllabus, answering queries about application process, exam schedules, and other student doubts.  Other technical queries faced by students during the CAP rounds, fee payments, option registrations and allotments are also to be resolved at the local level now. Providing information about various scholarships, counselling, alternative programmes has also been marked as the district officer’s responsibility. An official from the CET Cell stated, “While the student helpline us active, pupils often make the long haul journey to the CET Cell office in Mumbai. Now, the presence of these district liaison officers will help resolve the manageable student concerns locally and swiftly.” This academic year saw a number of students approaching the Mumbai-based CET Cell to flag concerns about the financial irregularities faced by the students while enrolling into colleges. Now, at the district level, the cell is to resolve, track and store such student complaints.

04 January,2026 07:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi Alurkar
Parsik Hill near Navi Mumbai. FILE PIC/ATUL KAMBLE

No EIA needed for hill road tunnels, says environment ministry

In a setback to environmentalists pushing for the protection of India’s fragile hill ecosystems, the Union government has stated that road projects involving hill tunnelling do not require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The Centre’s position emerged from a response given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by the Navi Mumbai based NGO NatConnect Foundation. Green activist BN Kumar who is the director of the environmental organisation, in his RTI, had asked details of environmental clearance for the '2,100-crore Kharghar–Turbhe Link Road (KTLR), which cuts twin 1.8-km tunnels through the ecologically sensitive Kharghar–Parsik hill stretch near Pandavkada in Navi Mumbai. Citing the EIA Notification, 2006, the ministry in the RTI response stated that only National Highways and State Highways require prior environmental clearance, and that tunnels are not covered separately under the notification.  Environmentalists warn that the ministry’s position effectively throws hills open to rampant drilling and cutting, potentially allowing mining activity to be carried out under the same exemption, and inevitably harming hill biodiversity. Kumar cited tunnel collapses in Uttarakhand and Telangana “Yet, instead of correcting regulatory blind spots, hills are being exploited with no environmental checks,” he added. 2100 crBudget of Kharghar-Turbhe Link Road being built on Parsik Hill

04 January,2026 07:30 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
The NMIMS team ranked 40th globally and 15th in Asia at the Bloomberg Global Trading. Pic/Special Arrangement

Million-dollar traders make NMIMS proud in global Bloomberg trading contest

While learning finance from textbooks is one way to go about things, a group of Mumbai students tried walking the talk. Two student groups from Mumbai and one from Navi Mumbai entered a global contest in which they trade on a simulated stock exchange. The Bloomberg Global Trading contest allowed students to act as wealth managers, functioning according to the timings of the New York Stock Exchange. With a corpus set at $1 million, their goal was to grow their wealth.  Ranking 40th globally, and 15th in Asia, one of the Mumbai teams from NMIMS managed to make a profit of $72,000 above their corpus, bringing the university in the top 100 ranks in a first. The students were required to analyse different stocks and make their position in the market over six weeks.  “We usually think long term when it comes to wealth management. Working on a short time span really helped us understand the nitty-gritties of the market. We took more risks and saw how well they panned out in the short term,” said Vishal Jagwani, 20, a student with the Sarla Anil Modi School of Economics, who was on the top-40 team from NMIMS. “I think I am less scared after this exercise. Whether I’m studying, trading, or simply playing a sport, I am less afraid of failing,” said 18-year-old Aarav Thosani, who is in his first year of BSc Finance at NMIMS Navi Mumbai. $72KProfit the students made in a six-week trading period

04 January,2026 07:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi Alurkar
Representational Image

Mumbai: Electrical fire breaks out in Andheri building, four hospitalised

An electric fire broke out in an 18-storey building in Andheri West on Saturday, tearing through a gymnasium, lobby and lift chamber on the first floor. All residents were evacuated safely. One resident and three firemen were taken to Cooper Hospital for treatment due to smoke inhalation. All four are in stable condition, said officials. The fire started at 2.10 pm in the electrical shaft in C wing of Chandiwala Pearl Regency building. Mumbai Fire Brigade officials told Sunday mid-day, “A total of 27 residents [from the first to third floor] were evacuated. Nine residents from various other floors were rescued by ladder owing to smoke logging.”

04 January,2026 07:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi Alurkar
MNS chief Raj Thackeray said he had never seen so many candidates elected unopposed before. File pic

Maharashtra civic elections 2026: Give info on netas who won unopposed, says SEC

The State Election Commission (SEC) has sought a detailed report on all cases where candidates have been elected unopposed in the ongoing municipal elections across Maharashtra. According to unconfirmed media reports and political circles, 70 candidates have been elected unopposed so far. The BJP leads the tally with 44 unopposed winners, followed by Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena with 22. Ajit Pawar’s NCP has two such candidates, while two others belong to smaller parties or independents. A senior official from the SEC, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the commission routinely seeks reports whenever a candidate is elected unopposed.  “The SEC always calls for a report in such cases. This is the standard procedure. In the present instance as well, a detailed report has been sought,” the official said. When asked about the number of candidates who may have won as corporator and that too unopposed, the official said the final figure is not yet clear. “Until the report is submitted and approved, officials have been instructed not to declare any winners,” the SEC official added. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray was taken aback with the development. “I have seen many elections, but I have never seen one where so many candidates have been elected unopposed,” Raj mentioned while reacting to the development. Even Shiv Sena UBT leader and Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut termed slammed the BJP led alliance partners and their ruling regime for this outcome. “Candidates are threatened and forced to withdraw from the polls. This is nothing but misuse of power,” Raut added. 44BJP candidates  reportedly elected unopposed 22Shiv Sena (Shinde) candidates who won unopposed 2NCP (Ajit Pawar) candidates who won unopposed

04 January,2026 07:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
PHOTO/ATUL KAMBLE

Mumbai Diary: Sunday Dossier

A things of beauty A majestic view of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Building, from the columns of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus at the junction of Dadabhai Naoroji Road and Mahapalika Marg Mumbai’s water tankers turn into art The exhibit Seen Unseen showcases water tankers as works of art Mumbai’s water tankers aren’t usually the kind of city characters that make it to gallery walls. But at 47A Design Gallery in Khotachiwadi, artist Zainab Tambawala turns these giants into protagonists. The exhibit Seen Unseen showcases these tankers along with handcarts, workers, and bus-stop silences into works of art. “I love to look for patterns and stories, and I kept seeing the water tanker. It had suddenly become part of the landscape, increasing in number. For me, they became an element that needed a closer look,” Tambawala told us. Not your normal love story Set in rural Rajasthan, Dohri Zindagi is a play adapted from Padmashri Vijaydaan Detha’s story, Bijji Neha Singh from Why Loiter has adapted and devised a play based on a short story “Dohri Zindagi” by Padmashri Vijaydaan Detha “Bijji”. Narrating a unique queer love story, the theatre producer, director, playwright and actor explains how she was inspired by the story when she read it in 2011. “Back then, the theatre space was heavily male-dominated and there was no representation of lesbian love on stage. I was enamoured by the fluidity of love and sexuality in Bijji’s story,” Singh says. So she set to work producing, acting and making the story come alive on stage. The play opened in 2016 for the first time at the Gender Bender festival in Bangalore and had its first show of 2026 on 2nd January at Rangshila theatre in Andheri. “ It was our 75th show that we performed this week, and we have many more shows all over the country in Goa, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Pune and so on,” she mentions. A tale of queer love set in rural Rajasthan, the play travels through love, betrayal and questions the bounds of sexuality. This play doesn’t play around Eden Creek, Bengal, an adaptation of Dwight Watson’s American play Eden Creek, comes back to theatres on January 10 after a warmly received run at the Prithvi Festival last November. Set in pre-Partition Bengal against the Great Famine and the freedom struggle, the play traces the intertwined lives of five women living along the Hooghly’s tributaries. Kaizaad Kotwal, (R) Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal “The best compliment we got was that audiences didn’t realise it was adapted. They thought it was a genuinely Indian story,” says co-director Kaizaad Kotwal. The play revisits a production first staged privately in 1988 by his mother and co-director, Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal. “This play is for anybody who has a mother or is a mother,” he laughs. Rock ‘n’ roll whizzing in The 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I – Chassis 17EX One of the most iconic pre-War Rolls-Royces in the world, the 1928 Phantom I, Chassis 17EX, is all set to roll into Mumbai on January 25 at the VCCCI Annual Vintage Car Fiesta 2026 at the World Trade Centre in Cuffe in Mumbai. The Rolls represents the pinnacle of Indian royal motoring heritage. The car (sacrilege to call it just a car) has been showcased at the world’s most prestigious events, including Pebble Beach, Villa d’Este, Salon Rétromobile (Paris), Balatonfüred, and Chantilly Arts & Elegance. The car’s desi connection is fascinating. We learn that it had been sold just before Christmas in 1928 to Maharaja Hari Singh Bahadur of Jammu & Kashmir. The Kashmir princely family alone acquired at least 26 Rolls-Royce motor cars. Nitin Dossa, chairman VCCCI said, “this is a moment of immense pride for Indian automotive enthusiasts. Chassis 17EX will be showcased in India for the very first time. This historic appearance marks a significant milestone, not just for vintage car aficionados but for history buffs too. It is about bringing home a powerful symbol of India’s princely past.” It is not just a car but royalty, history and legacy on wheels.  Vintage bats make us nostalgic Dilip Vengsarkar using a Symonds bat in 1981-82 One gets to see all kinds of cricket characters on Facebook. One such person is Stratis Comino, a bat connoisseur. Recently, Comino put out his first XI of cricket bats that included a Stuart Surridge (SS), Gray Nicolls, County, Kookaburra, Symonds, Slazenger, Brian Lara Gray Nicolls, Newbery, Saint Peter (SP), Millichamp & Hall, and Callen Comino also put out his “Indian made XI.” The first XI of bats. Pic courtesy/Stratis Comino’s Facebook account  This range presumably emerged from a 1980s collection because all 11 were Symonds bats. There was a time in the early 1980s when a lot of batsmen in the Indian team used Symonds’s Super Tusker. They are no longer seen at sports shops. Times have changed for bats too! The Indian 12. Pic courtesy/Stratis Comino’s Facebook account

04 January,2026 06:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMD
Representational image. Pic/iStock

Weekly horoscope: Check astrological predictions for all zodiac signs

Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Deal with situations promptly and handle circumstances well. Avoid making risky investments even if they sound very good..Health tip: Staying disciplined in your good habits is important if you want to sustain good health in the long term. Make sure you drink enough water. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Any restrictive situation can be worked through with focus and clarity. This is a positive time for investments and finances.Health tip: Those who suffer from headaches often might want to check if a particular food or drink is a  trigger. Seniors should get regular age appropriate exercise regularly. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Put in your best at work, and make practical choices if you need to make decisions. Spend quality time with your spouse or partner.Health tip: Those in a job that puts them in the spotlight or online might want to have a small fitness makeover. Pay attention to any advice from your doctor. CancerJune 21 – July 22Any legal situation might move suddenly, and you need to be well prepared. This is a positive time for singles — be very sure about what you want.Health tip: Any chronic illness can become worse if you do not take care of yourself. Focus on creating a sustainable lifestyle. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Let go of the past, but learn from it so you do not repeat mistakes. Avoid making risky financial choices, and avoid spending unnecessarily.Health tip: Make sure you avoid triggering situations if you suffer from migraines. Small changes in habits will make a difference over time.. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Find the balance that works for you and let go of what does not. Avoid dealing with difficult people and handle those you cannot avoid.Health tip: Those who need medical tests done should not delay them. Be mindful about what you eat, especially if you have a sensitive digestive system. LibraSept 23 – Oct  22Be very clear in your communication, and do not take it for granted that if the other person has understood you properly. This is a positive time for singles.Health tip: Those with back issues should be a little extra careful and not get distracted while working out. Maintain a balanced schedule. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Handle any challenges calmly and think before you speak. Make well thought out decisions instead of reacting from past experiences.Health tip: Get your eyes tested if you have not done it for some time. Be consistent  with any lifestyle changes you need to make. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Balance your personal and professional life without compromising on either. Handle bosses and seniors with intelligence and caution.Health tip: A small habit that is not so good for you could set you back if you have any goals you want to achieve. Make lifestyle changes only after careful thought. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Have clear communication if you are dealing with a situation that involves legalities. Let go of any friendship that is not positive.Health tip: A disciplined routine is important, and so are the smaller lifestyle choices you make. Those who have gastric issues need to be very careful about what they eat. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Look at the options you have before speaking your mind bluntly. Pay attention to family  traditions, and do your best to follow them.Health tip: Take a little extra care if you have high blood pressure issues. Those who want to conceive a child are in a positive phase. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Be mindful while dealing with any authority figures. Keep any plans to yourself for now, and don’t talk about it prematurely even to people you are close to.Health tip: A habit that is not so good might cause a setback. Those with circulation issues need to take care of themselves.

04 January,2026 06:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna Bose
Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Saturday demanded resignation of Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol. File Pic

Congress' Sapkal rakes up Ajit Pawar's remarks to demand Mohol's resignation

Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Saturday demanded the resignation of Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, alleging his involvement in the issuance of a passport to a known criminal. Mohol, however, has already denied the allegation, reported the PTI. Sapkal referred to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s press conference held on Friday to intensify his attack on the BJP leader. Ajit Pawar had defended the decision to give election tickets to candidates with criminal backgrounds for the upcoming civic polls, stating that no individual can be termed a criminal until proven guilty. He also cited allegations levelled against him in the past, including the Rs 70,000-crore irrigation scam, to underline his point, according to the PTI. His remarks came after Mohol criticised the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) for fielding candidates allegedly linked to criminal activities. Reference to fugitive gangster In an apparent reference to gangster Nilesh Ghaywal, who reportedly fled the country while facing a firing case, Pawar questioned who had facilitated his escape. The Opposition has accused Mohol of playing a role in securing a passport for Ghaywal, a charge the minister has rejected. “It is a matter of grave concern for national security that a person with a known criminal background could obtain a passport through political influence. This is a direct violation of the Passport Act, 1967,” Sapkal said, citing Ajit Pawar’s comments. Call for CBI probe Sapkal demanded that Mohol, who serves as Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, resign immediately. He also called for a high-level investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to expose what he described as a political–criminal nexus, as per PTI. Attack on ruling coalition Criticising the ruling Mahayuti alliance, Sapkal said those who once labelled Pawar the “king of corruption” were now sharing power with him, exposing the double standards of the coalition. The Mahayuti comprises the BJP, the NCP led by Ajit Pawar, and the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. “Corruption among those in power prevents accountability. If the government is serious about its clean image, it must explain how individuals facing serious allegations are being protected,” Sapkal said, the news agency reported. Claims of challenge to top leadership Sapkal further claimed that Pawar’s assertion of sharing power with leaders who once accused him amounted to a direct challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Allegations against assembly speaker The Congress leader also urged the Election Commission to act on allegations against Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, who has been accused of violating the model code of conduct during the ongoing civic election process, reported PTI. Narwekar, the BJP MLA from Colaba in south Mumbai, has dismissed the accusations as baseless and politically motivated. “The Election Commission should act, if not in deference to public opinion, then at least guided by its conscience. An offence should have been registered by now, but the Commission appears to be acting at the behest of the BJP,” Sapkal alleged. Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for the following day. (with PTI inputs)

03 January,2026 10:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK